Welcome to the latest installment of ASI's e-newsletter for the Canadian ad specialty market, Promogram Canada.

Please don’t hesitate to email me directly with any news pertaining to your company, such as mergers and acquisitions, new hires, awards and accolades received, creative client promotions or product launches. You can reach me directly at (215) 953-3323 or mbell@asicentral.com.

Alphabroder Completes Ash City IntegrationCounselor Top 40 supplier alphabroder (asi/34063) has finished its integration with Ash City, the apparel company it acquired in January. Customers can now shop online at www.alphabroder.com for Ash City private label brands, like North End.

“This is an incredible milestone for us, and we’re at a very exciting point in our journey toward combining the two organizations into one seamless-source provider of promotional apparel,” said Norm Hullinger, CEO of alphabroder. “Our focus at alphabroder is to continue to provide our customers with exceptional service, unparalleled product with industry-leading in-stock levels and accurate delivery. We very much look forward to being the comprehensive one-stop shop for all of our customers’ promotional apparel needs.”

Ash City was alphabroder’s second acquisition since Littlejohn & Co. led the recapitalization of Broder Bros. and assumed control of its board of directors in 2012. The company acquired Imprints Wholesale in late 2012 and rebranded as alphabroder in January of this year. Alphabroder ranks number one on Counselor’s list of the Top 40 industry suppliers for 2014, as the company reported $697.2 million in North American ad specialty sales last year.

American Apparel Names New Interim CEO
As first reported in a Breaking News Alert on September 29, Top 40 supplier American Apparel (asi/35297) has named Scott Brubaker as its interim CEO, replacing John Luttrell. The company also appointed Hassan Natha as executive vice president and chief financial officer, and promoted long-time employees Patricia Honda and Nicolle Gabbay to the positions of president of wholesale and president of retail, respectively.

The moves were the first officer appointments the company has made since being effectively taken over by equity firm Standard General in July. That month, founder and former CEO Dov Charney, a member of the Counselor Power 50 and native of Canada, teamed with Standard General, raising his stake in American Apparel to 43%. Shortly after, Standard General gained control of Charney’s entire stake after Charney transferred it to equity firm as collateral for a loan. The hedge fund has worked to remake the clothing company’s board and give American Apparel a path to profitability.

Brubaker is a managing director at consulting firm Alvarez & Marsal, and he has served in interim officer and other advisory roles for several specialty retailers and manufacturers. Natha has more than 20 years of experience in finance with both public and private companies, including service as CFO at Fisher Communications Inc. and Jones Soda Company.

Allan Mayer, co-chairman of the board of American Apparel, said the appointments of Brubaker and Natha would bolster the company’s senior executive team. “The Board is delighted to welcome Scott Brubaker and Hassan Natha to American Apparel,” Mayer said. “We are confident that their experience and leadership will help the company achieve its goals, and we look forward to working with both of them.”

Luttrell, who had been serving as interim CEO and CFO of American Apparel since its ownership shakeup earlier this summer, is resigning from the company, although no reason was given for his resignation. He was named to the interim executive positions after the board of directors removed Charney from his roles. The company has been conducting an investigation into Charney’s actions while he was CEO, and it has not yet said whether he will have an official role with the company moving forward.

However, the board of directors is increasingly open to keeping Charney at the firm, according to a report by Bloomberg. Currently, Charney is serving as a consultant to the Los Angeles-based manufacturer, but the board could offer him a new role, the report said. The Bloomberg story sent American Apparel’s (NYSE: APP) stock immediately higher – up 2.4% in extended trading late on September 30 – although the price has since retreated.

American Apparel ranks as the 14th-largest supplier in the industry, after reporting 2013 North American ad specialty sales of $99.2 million, a 2.5% increase over 2012.

Factory Fire Kills Bangladeshi Worker A Bangladeshi garment worker is dead and five others are injured after a fire at Mega Dyeing Ltd., a factory that was recently inspected by the Accord on Fire and Building Safety. Accord engineers are investigating the incident and assessing the damage caused to the factory.

Composed of more than 150 apparel brands, the Accord on Fire and Building Safety was formed last year after the Rana Plaza building collapse that killed more than 1,100 people, mostly in the garment trade. Since then, the Accord has completed more than 1,000 safety inspections, publishing a number of corrective action plans online.

The Mega Dyeing fire started on September 28 in an acrylic yarn store on the third floor of the building and spread to upper floors through an unprotected lift shaft, according to a statement from the Accord. It took firefighters almost five hours to get the blaze under control. Prior to that, a worker “fire brigade” had attempted to control the fire with in-house equipment, but ultimately evacuated the building. Three workers were injured during their attempt to fight the fire. Bangladeshi authorities are investigating the cause of death in the fire’s only fatality.

The Accord on Fire and Building Safety first inspected the Mega Dyeing factory for fire and electrical safety on August 28, and will continue working with the owner, brands and labor groups to carry out the improvements identified by its inspections. “This tragic event again highlights the urgency of assessing ready-made garment facilities for safety and working in earnest to ensure such safety problems are properly corrected as soon as possible,” read the statement released by the Accord.

ADVERTISEMENTADVERTISEMENT

The group’s comments follow closely after another factory fire at an Accord-inspected facility. An August 31 fire at Cordial Design Ltd. in Mirpur, Dhaka, injured five factory workers. The Accord had inspected the factory for fire and electrical safety in July, but didn’t assess the separate storage facility where the fire broke out because the factory owners didn’t tell its engineers about the structure, according to a September statement from the Accord.

Redwood Announces Partnership With CAMSC
Redwood Classics Apparel (asi/81627) has announced its most recent partnership with the Canadian Aboriginal and Minority Supplier Council (CAMSC), which certifies and links Aboriginal and minority-owned businesses to purchasing opportunities at major corporations across Canada and the United States.

“As CAMSC aligns itself exclusively with corporations that value the business benefits of an inclusive and diverse supply chain, we are honored to receive this designation,” says President Kathy Cheng. “This new partnership represents our dedication to preserving an authentically Canadian sensibility, which includes both design and culture. It’s our mandate to give back to the country that has given our company and family so much. We are proud to be CAMSC-certified. By aligning ourselves with this organization, we have taken further steps toward diversity and the economic empowerment of Aboriginal and minority companies within the promotional products industry.”

CAMSC’s mission is to deliver programs and processes that promote and facilitate procurement opportunities between major corporations in Canada and suppliers of all sizes owned and operated by Canadian Aboriginals and Minorities. For more information, visit www.camsc.ca.

Superex Now Offers Kidde Safety Products
Superex (asi/90231) is proud to announce that it now offers Kidde Safety Products in its Home Safety Products category, including the Starter Home Safety Kit (97-906XP) and the WideMouth Home Safety Kit (97-907XP). For more information, visit www.superex.com.

Bugatti-Sedona Acquires Bond Street & Stebco
Quebec City, Canada-based supplier bugatti-sedona (asi/42394) announced last month that it has acquired Bond Street Ltd., the parent company to supplier brands Bond Street and Stebco (asi/40895). Financial terms of the transaction were not released.

“This acquisition will help continue our rapid growth and market share in the United States and Canada,” said Andrew Hattem, president of bugatti-sedona. “Adding the Bond Street and Stebco icon brand will contribute in offering our customers a good, better, best approach with quality products.”

Bond Street was founded in 1917 in New York, and Stebco shortly thereafter in Chicago. The merged entity continues to be based in New York and affiliates in Montreal. “Over the years, we built an American and Canadian brand that has rivaled international players,” said Michael Schwartz, the previous owner and president of Bond Street and Stebco. “We are proud of our accomplishments and are confident that the new owners will stay true to our core values. Our successors share our vision of transitioning the business properly and it remains business as usual for customers.”

Bugatti-sedona, which has been in business since 1940, specializes in the design, import and distribution of business accessories, such as briefcases, writing cases, travel bags and luggage. Bond Street and Stebco also carries a line of bags, briefcases and luggage.

Ecorite Joins Canada Sportswear
Canada Sportswear Group (asi/43682) announces that Ecorite (asi/51654) has become a division of the company. All contacts for Ecorite will remain the same, while employees, inventory and decorating capabilities have relocated to Canada Sportswear in Toronto. Questions can be directed to james@ecorite.com or celine@canadasportswear.com.

Exclusive Interview With Steve WozniakOn the October 14 episode of ASI’s Tuesday Morning Show, the hosts conducted a special interview with Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple. The tech guru detailed his future forecasts, spoke about the technologies that will impact business the most in the coming years, and shared strategies for how companies can continuously innovate.

If you missed the show, a recording is now available at www.asicentral.com/radio. And, don’t forget to join us for our next broadcast – Tuesday, October 21. Log on at 10:30 a.m. ET to listen to the show – and give us a call at (215) 953-4979 to hear your voice on the air.

The Next Trend Designs Co-Founder Named to W100 List
The Next Trend Designs (asi/283375) announces that co-founder and owner Janine Taylor has been named to the W100 ranking of Canada’s Top Female Entrepreneurs for 2014, released by PROFIT and Chatelaine magazines. View the complete list here.

Stormtech Releases Stormtech Magazine
Stormtech Performance Apparel (asi/89869) has released its 2014 Stormtechmagazine,which follows the global travels of Stormtech ambassadors. The most recent edition includes an interview with Academy Award-winner Russell Crowe, on the set of The Water Diviner,his directorial debut.

“Stormtech continually strives towards working with like-minded people who use and test our product in a wide range of environments around the world,” says Blake Annable, founder and CEO of Stormtech. “These experiences are a reflection of outdoor enthusiasts who depend on us to deliver highly functional and fashionable apparel. The stories we regularly hear from people that wear our products continue to inspire us every day.”

Add Impact Promotes Tina Svensson
Add Impact (asi/106606) announces that Tina Svensson has been promoted to vice president of operations, after almost 10 years as Add Impact’s director. Her new responsibilities include developing strategies for Finance, Facilities, HR and Operations. Contact Tina Svensson at tina@add-impact.com.

Faro Products Announces New Representation
Faro Products (asi/53764) has announced that Cioban Marketing Services will represent the company’s product line in the British Columbia and Yukon territories. Contact Debra Cioban at debracioban@shaw.caand Jim Cioban at jimcioban@shaw.ca.

BrandAlliance Expands Sales Team
BrandAlliance (asi/145177) has announced that Larry Stewart has joined the company’s British Columbia sales team. Contact Larry Stewart at larry.stewart@brandalliance.com.

In addition, the sales team in British Columbia has also welcomed Ken Prud’homme back to the company as a promotional marketing consultant. He has more than 20 years of experience in the industry, and was previously a member of the BC sales team. Contact Ken Prud’homme at kp@brandalliance.com.

Gemline Hires Ted Simpson
Gemline (asi/56070) welcomes Ted Simpson as national sales manager in Canada. Simpson has 20 years’ experience in the industry, and was previously president of Simpson Agencies – Brand Shakers, where he represented Gemline for over 10 years. In his role, Simpson will be responsible for all Gemline sales in Canada, and will support Gemline’s independent sales agencies selling in the Canadian marketplace. Contact Ted Simpson at tsimpson@gemline.com.

TPS Promotions & Incentives Welcomes Karen Nixon
TPS Promotions & Incentives (asi/341409) has announced that Karen Nixon has become a partner in the company. She joined the company co-owners in 2007 and has been part of the Management Team for the past eight years. Contact Karen Nixon at karen@tpscan.com.

The Next Trend Designs Hires Senior Account Executive
The Next Trend Designs (asi/283375) has hired Steve Zahirsky as a senior account executive, responsible for expanding sales in the fitness, nutrition and wellness markets. He has extensive experience in IT as well as local and international banking. Contact Steve Zahirsky at steve@tntworld.com.

The ASI Roadshow is stopping in Canada in 2015 and distributors are invited to attend for FREE. With minimal time out of the office, you’ll find fresh product ideas and money-making solutions. Offering you a convenient way to keep up-to-date on the latest happenings within the industry, the ASI Roadshow allows you to connect one-on-one with innovative suppliers. PLUS, you can now invite and escort your clients to the ASI Roadshow. It is the perfect opportunity for you to discuss specific projects and solutions with suppliers and your buyers.

Canada East
• Monday, March 30 – Ottawa, ON
•Tuesday, March 31 – Toronto, ON
•Wednesday, April 1 – Burlington, ON

Featuring a convenient half-day schedule that includes free distributor education from 7:45 a.m.-9 a.m. and exhibits from 9 a.m.-1 p.m., the ASI Roadshow is a cost-effective and time-efficient way to stay motivated throughout the year. Register for FREE at www.asiroadshow.com or register on the show site with a valid business card.

Click here to subscribe to ASI Canada. You must be a member of ASI to subscribe to this publication. The publisher has a right to refuse subscriptions to non-members.
To subscribe to ASICanada e-newsletter, please click here.